The Gillette Wild tried their best to erase a three-goal deficit, but the Helena Bighorns would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-1.
A goal by Nick Trefry put Helena up 3-0 in the second period, but Gillette pulled to within two onMitchell McEwan's tally 13:51 into the third period.
The Bighorns' Grant Martens was a brick wall in net, as he came up with 30 saves and let only one puck past him. Martens managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 1.93 prior to the game.
Helena's penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 11 minors and one major for 37 minutes in penalty time. The Bighorns had been averaging 24.0 minutes in penalties per game.
Helena was helped by Blake Babineau, who registered one goal. Babineau scored 9:15 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Helena. Jay Forbes picked up the assist. Helena also got a goal from Cody Vanthournout as well. In addition, Helena received assists from Daniel Liberko,Kendall Bolen-Porter, and Brandt Miller, who each chipped in one.
The Wild were held below their usual level of production. Gillette averages 3.5 goals per game. The Wild's offense rang up 31 shots on the Bighorns' net. Gillette could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 36 minutes in penalties during the game.
More assists for Gillette came via Bryce Mitzel and Brandon Beard, who contributed one each.
Helena registered one goal on seven power play opportunities. The Wild's starting goalie, Alex Feese, made 12 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Sean Kelley, who stopped seven shots. Gillette registered one goal on eight power play opportunities.